Amy Jaeschke: No Place Like Home

Selected as the 27th overall draft pick for the Chicago Sky, Jaeschke is the first Northwestern Wildcat to be drafted in the WNBA. Putting up impressive numbers during her time in Evanston, the rookie center hopes to keep her talents close to home.

As a Chicagoland native, Jaeschke has played in Illinois throughout her entire basketball career, beginning with the Wilmette Storm in the sixth grade. She played for Wilmette Junior high School through eighth grade before starring for New Trier High School and then Northwestern University. Amazingly, including Allstate Arena, each home gym is within a fifteen mile area. Rarely, if ever, does any athlete get the chance to play professionally for their hometown team, and having the chance to play in front of family while representing the city she loves are among the things Jaeschke is looking forward to doing the most. .

“I’m definitely excited to have the opportunity to play for my hometown team,” she said. “I grew up watching Chicago sports; watching Michael Jordan go through his championship era with the Bulls and going to Cubs games all the time has been great. It is kind of crazy to know that I am one of those people that will be representing Chicago.” .

As the first female basketball player from Northwestern to play professionally, Jaeschke believes that distinction is not only an accomplishment for herself, but her alma mater as well. .

“When I chose to go to Northwestern our program wasn’t in the best shape. The goal that my class had was to leave in a better spot than we did,” Jaeschke said. “We made it to back-to-back postseason tournaments and by being the first one drafted in the WNBA, it shows how far our program has come.” .

Prior to focusing on basketball, Jaeschke was active in numerous sports. She also acknowledges that her height has played a part in her successful career along with her diverse athleticism. .

“Sports like soccer helped me with my footwork and playing some of the other sports helped me in certain areas. I think the whole reason that I stuck with basketball is because my height was such an advantage when I was little. I could shoot the ball six times in a row and get my own rebound and I knew that eventually I would [make it],” Jaeschke said. .

Jaeschke is looking forward to learning from the veterans over the course of training camp. .

“The teammates that I’ve played with have been my biggest mentors. I think I can learn so much from the players and coaches who are around,” she said. “You can always find people that are there to support you and give you good advice.” .